SYDNEY, March 26 (AFP) - Pace bowler Jason Gillespie said he had mixed feelings about returning home early from Australia's cricket
tour of India on Monday.

It was decided last week to rest Gillespie from the five-match one-day series against the Indians in preparation for the mid-year Ashes tour of
England.

The lion-hearted South Australian was nominated as Australia's best bowler in the losing Test series by skipper Steve Waugh after claiming
13 wickets at 30.31 from 126.3 overs on unresponsive pitches.

Gillespie injured his left hamstring tendon a month before the tour and required an injection into his left ankle before the first Mumbai Test and
was unlucky enough to strain the foot in a divot during the final Test.

Asked how he felt to be home, Gillespie said here Monday night: "I'd like to be playing, but I know (the break) is the best thing for me."

Gillespie said he had no injury concerns as he begins his recovery period.

Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott, who accompanied Gillespie home, said he expected him to be fit for the Ashes tour.